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Start-up programme helping build a future for young adults with diabetes in India

Submitted by Lorenzo.Piemonte on Mon, 02/03/2014 - 14:16

Nurturing career options for young adults with diabetes in the developing world is a stepping stone from which individuals can build a living, and a means with which they can afford to pay for essential diabetes supplies not subsidised by the government.

Two years ago, with help from the IDF Life for a Child Programme, the DREAM Trust in Nagpur, India, began a small business start-up programme with several deserving young adults with type 1 who were keen to start a small business of their own and develop their income prospects. After in-depth discussions regarding their proposed project, each applicant was given a set amount of funds. As the projects progressed, members of the DREAM Trust faculty took time to visit a number of start-ups personally. Life for a Child is delighted to share with you the success stories we recently received from the Trust’s Managing Trustee, Dr Sharad Pendsey.

Success stories

1. Ashish, 27 years

This young man received funding to start a dairy business and purchased a buffalo. Profits from the last two years enabled him to buy another buffalo, a number of goats and some chickens. Happily, the first buffalo gave birth to a healthy calf, increasing his stock to three buffaloes. After a delay of eight years, Ashish went back to school and successfully passed his final year exams. He is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts.

2. Archana, 34 years

Archana was granted funds for her artificial jewellery business. The amount of stock has grown and now incorporates women’s clothing and everyday items such as shampoo, soaps, and packaged foods. She is happy with her business, but already plans to expand: she has joined a local dress-making course and intends to purchase a multiple feature sewing machine. She would also like to build a small beauty parlour on her premises.

3. Hemant, 27 years

Hemant requested funding for a desktop computer. He has been busy with various projects, including online applications for various competitive exams for aspiring students in his village. A good printer, amongst other equipment, is the next step for expanding his business.

4. Ramesh, 31 years

Ramesh was funded to start a stationary shop to which he added several items of general use. This shop is looked after by his wife, while he does business on bicycle, visiting small villages every day.

5. Rameshwar, 25 years

Based in a tiny village in Madhya Pradesh Tribal area, Rameshwar began a small business preparing puffed rice from unpolished rice. Instead of receiving money, he trades polished rice in exchange for puffed rice. Some of this is sold, and some he keeps to feed his family.